Author: Devin James

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY, SENATOR CABRERA WELCOME $8.25 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR HAMDEN

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY, SENATOR CABRERA WELCOME $8.25 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR HAMDEN

HAMDEN – Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed a vote by the state Department of Economic and Community Development Community Investment Fund 2030 Board to provide $8.25 million to the City of Hamden to repair home foundations in the Newhall section of town and to plan a healing garden at DeNicola Park.

The funding recommendations will now be forwarded to the State Bond Commission, which is expected to approve them at its next meeting.

“There are terrible hardships being faced by homeowners in Newhall, and this state funding will help alleviate that. I want to thank the DECD for all of their work and support on this, as well as thank Senator Cabrera and local Hamden officials,” Sen. Looney said. “The funding for Eli’s Garden of Healing will help perfect their proposal, and then they can apply for other capital funds in the future.”

“It seems like the homeowners in Newhall cannot catch a break. Thankfully, this new funding and the comprehensive plan for various foundation repairs should make a lasting difference – and that’s what we want,” Sen. Cabrera said. “Eli’s Garden, it’s a well-known spot here in Hamden and they do a lot of good work. I think with some more planning we can turn this space into something really special, and that’s what this planning grant will help achieve.”

With its $8 million state grant, the City of Hamden plans to establish the Newhall Foundations Fund, a comprehensive foundation repair and community stabilization program addressing ongoing foundation issues affecting approximately 102 properties in the Newhall neighborhood.

The fund will address problems stemming from the consequences of historic soil contamination and remediation. The remediated soil, in combination with underlying soil conditions, has begun to cause structural and quality of life failures in the foundations of homes in remediated areas.

The Newhall Foundations Fund will implement a phased approach to foundation repairs, which will typically include foundation waterproofing and crack repair, structural reinforcement, wall and floor leveling, surface drainage repair, repair of settlement-related damage to interior finishes, and reconstruction of settled exterior elements. The fund will also provide for relocation of owners and residents whose homes are severely structurally compromised and warrant demolition, and repair of water intrusion and inadequate drainage resulting from remediation.

Eli’s Garden of Healing currently offers free community programs such as healing hikes, art events in the park, and service days with local students, serving hundreds of participants annually. The $250,000 grant will help the organization with its plan to transform a 1.7-acre overgrown parcel into a community healing space with an accessible forest garden dedicated to survivors of violence while also welcoming the broader public.

The project seeks to repurpose the former Winchester site’s historic test firing bed into a multi-use centerpiece for survivor meetings, recreation, and passive enjoyment, with ramps providing full accessibility and improving park access for nearby residents. The new space will expand offerings to include horticultural therapy, educational visits from local schools, and programming that highlights local wildlife, environmental history, and the legacy of gun manufacturing and environmental racism in Hamden, fostering healing, education, and community connection.

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes $900k for Bridgeport Health Center

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Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes $900k for Bridgeport Health Center

BRIDGEPORT – State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox welcomed news that the Community Investment Fund (CIF) gave approval to a request for $900,000 from Southwest Community Health Center Inc. to build a new health center location on Madison Avenue in Bridgeport.

Southwest Community Health Center (“Southwest”) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves Bridgeport through 25 licensed facilities, including healthcare services in seven homeless shelters, eight school-based health centers and one substance use disorder treatment program.

On top of this state funding, Southwest is leveraging $250,000 of their own funds, $2 million in federal funding, $1.2 million from the City of Bridgeport and $1.2 million from the DeLuca Foundation to build out this new location. The project will deliver a full-service health center on the second floor of the Wakeman Clubhouse on Madison Avenue. This site will feature 9 exam rooms, 4 behavioral health offices, and 4 dental operatories that will provide broad spectrum care to residents of all ages.

“I am grateful to the folks at Southwest for their deep commitment to providing accessible healthcare to Bridgeport, and for their vision to continue expanding to better serve their patients,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “This new health center will provide essential services to Bridgeport and I want to thank the Community Investment Fund board for giving approval to this critical project.”

Projects approved by the CIF Board will now head to the State Bond Commission for a vote to release the funding.

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY, SENATOR CABRERA WELCOME $8.25 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR HAMDEN

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY, SENATOR CABRERA WELCOME $8.25 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR HAMDEN

HAMDEN – Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed a vote by the state Department of Economic and Community Development Community Investment Fund 2030 Board to provide $8.25 million to the City of Hamden to repair home foundations in the Newhall section of town and to plan a healing garden at DeNicola Park.

The funding recommendations will now be forwarded to the State Bond Commission, which is expected to approve them at its next meeting.

“There are terrible hardships being faced by homeowners in Newhall, and this state funding will help alleviate that. I want to thank the DECD for all of their work and support on this, as well as thank Senator Cabrera and local Hamden officials,” Sen. Looney said. “The funding for Eli’s Garden of Healing will help perfect their proposal, and then they can apply for other capital funds in the future.”

“It seems like the homeowners in Newhall cannot catch a break. Thankfully, this new funding and the comprehensive plan for various foundation repairs should make a lasting difference – and that’s what we want,” Sen. Cabrera said. “Eli’s Garden, it’s a well-known spot here in Hamden and they do a lot of good work. I think with some more planning we can turn this space into something really special, and that’s what this planning grant will help achieve.”

With its $8 million state grant, the City of Hamden plans to establish the Newhall Foundations Fund, a comprehensive foundation repair and community stabilization program addressing ongoing foundation issues affecting approximately 102 properties in the Newhall neighborhood.

The fund will address problems stemming from the consequences of historic soil contamination and remediation. The remediated soil, in combination with underlying soil conditions, has begun to cause structural and quality of life failures in the foundations of homes in remediated areas.

The Newhall Foundations Fund will implement a phased approach to foundation repairs, which will typically include foundation waterproofing and crack repair, structural reinforcement, wall and floor leveling, surface drainage repair, repair of settlement-related damage to interior finishes, and reconstruction of settled exterior elements. The fund will also provide for relocation of owners and residents whose homes are severely structurally compromised and warrant demolition, and repair of water intrusion and inadequate drainage resulting from remediation.

Eli’s Garden of Healing currently offers free community programs such as healing hikes, art events in the park, and service days with local students, serving hundreds of participants annually. The $250,000 grant will help the organization with its plan to transform a 1.7-acre overgrown parcel into a community healing space with an accessible forest garden dedicated to survivors of violence while also welcoming the broader public.

The project seeks to repurpose the former Winchester site’s historic test firing bed into a multi-use centerpiece for survivor meetings, recreation, and passive enjoyment, with ramps providing full accessibility and improving park access for nearby residents. The new space will expand offerings to include horticultural therapy, educational visits from local schools, and programming that highlights local wildlife, environmental history, and the legacy of gun manufacturing and environmental racism in Hamden, fostering healing, education, and community connection.

Senator Rahman Welcomes CIF Vote to Recommend $1 Million for Ädelbrook’s Manchester Academy

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Senator Rahman Welcomes CIF Vote to Recommend $1 Million for Ädelbrook’s Manchester Academy

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, celebrated a Tuesday vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) Board to recommend a $1 million state investment to help Ädelbrook Educational Programs expand the capacity of its Manchester Academy serving students with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The CIF vote represents a key step in the process of securing final approval of the funding by the State Bond Commission, which must meet within the next 60 days to take up the board’s recommendations.

The Manchester Academy currently operates at capacity and serves around 36 students with autism and developmental disabilities. The expected state funding will help the program reduce its waiting list by expanding the facility and hiring new staff so it can enroll more students between the ages of three and 11.

“This $1 million investment is a compassionate commitment to the future of our children and our community,” Senator Rahman said. “The need for specialized services for students with autism is urgent, and this funding ensures that dozens of families on the waiting list will get access to the education and therapy they deserve. This project helps guarantee the right of every child to receive a quality education and creates new jobs right here in Manchester.”

Senator Honig Applauds CIF Vote to Fund Major Torrington Projects

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Senator Honig Applauds CIF Vote to Fund Major Torrington Projects

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, celebrated a Tuesday vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) Board to recommend supporting two transformative projects in Torrington, including $1 million to expand a fresh food production program and $250,000 to encourage the growth and development of the KidsPlay Children’s Museum.

The CIF vote represents a key step in the process of securing final approval of the funding by the State Bond Commission, which must meet within the next 60 days to take up the board’s recommendations.

The expected state funding will help the City of Torrington advance these initiatives:

-$1 million for the CT Food 4 Thought Expansion Project: this initiative supplies fresh, pesticide-free lettuce to dozens of Connecticut schools and local grocery stores. The planned expansion includes the construction of new facilities designed to increase CT Food 4 Thought’s current production capacity while also creating new living-wage jobs in Northwest Connecticut.

-$250,000 for the KidsPlay Children’s Museum: The museum aims to provide children with exhibits that foster creativity and encourage an understanding of the arts, sciences, and the world. This planning grant is designed to help ensure the museum’s future development meets community needs, makes the best use of its space, and encourages greater community engagement.

“The funding recommended today by the CIF Board will be direct investments in the health, economy, and children of both Torrington and the Northwest Connecticut region,” Senator Honig said. “The CT Food 4 Thought project will put healthy food on the tables of thousands of families and students, while the support for the KidsPlay Children’s Museum will help provide Torrington kids with an even more enriching center for learning and creativity. These are fiscally responsible investments that promise significant returns for our residents, and I look forward to the State Bond Commission’s final approval.”

Senator Hochadel Applauds CIF Vote to Support Meriden Boys & Girls Club Renovation

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Senator Hochadel Applauds CIF Vote to Support Meriden Boys & Girls Club Renovation

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, celebrated a Tuesday vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) Board to recommend supporting the Meriden Boys & Girls Club through a $250,000 state investment to help renovate and expand its Lincoln Street clubhouse.

The CIF vote represents a key step in the process of securing final approval of the funding by the State Bond Commission, which must meet within the next 60 days to take up the board’s recommendations.

The expected state funding will help the Meriden Boys & Girls Club serve roughly 1,200 young people through preschool, afterschool programming, summer camps, and other recreational programs. The money will offset the costs of expanding and renovating the 15 Lincoln Street clubhouse, which was built in 1955.

Earlier this year, Senator Hochadel was an outspoken voice in a successful fight to restore critical federal funding to the Boys & Girls Club after the Trump administration attempted to withhold approved support for the club’s afterschool programming.

“It’s hard to overstate the positive impact the Boys & Girls Club has on the lives of some of Meriden’s most vulnerable kids,” Senator Hochadel said. “Just a few weeks ago, we were fighting to protect this program from devastating federal cuts. It warms my heart to see Connecticut’s values reflected in the CIF Board’s vote to ensure that this clubhouse can continue to provide Meriden children with support, education and safety for years to come.”

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Approval of $250k for Wethersfield Community Center

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Sen. Lesser Welcomes Approval of $250k for Wethersfield Community Center

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser welcomed news that the Community Investment Fund (CIF) gave approval to a request from the Town of Wethersfield for $250,000 for the redevelopment of the William J. Pitkin Community Center.

Wethersfield has leveraged American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a feasibility study, and the CIF funds will support the next planning phase of the project. The project seeks to transform the aging community center into a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive facility that meets the evolving needs of Wethersfield’s diverse population.

According to the town, key components of the proposed redevelopment include:
• Relocation and enhancement of the Social & Youth Services Department
• Expansion of the Wethersfield Food Bank
• Creation of a Family Resource Center
• Infrastructure upgrades to improve air quality, energy efficiency, and safety
• Purpose-built areas for senior programs, early childhood services, arts, fitness, and wellness
• Improved accessibility and public transit connectivity through collaboration with CTtransit

“I am proud to lend my support to this project that will reimagine the Pitkin Community Center to serve Wethersfield’s needs for decades to come,” said Sen. Lesser. “The Community Investment Fund approves projects that will foster economic development and create inclusive spaces for residents, and this project certainly fits the bill. Thank you to Wethersfield town leaders for their vision and to the CIF board for approving these funds.”

Projects approved today by the CIF Board will be sent to the State Bond Commission for final approval.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $625,000 IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNDING FOR NEW LONDON PARK PLANNING, BUILDING REDEVELOPMENT

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SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $625,000 IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNDING FOR NEW LONDON PARK PLANNING, BUILDING REDEVELOPMENT

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the announcement that two grants, worth a combined $625,000, will be administered to New London through the Community Investment Fund program. The grant projects, respectively, include redeveloping a vacant downtown building into 40 new apartment units and the planning and design of a new public park along Atlantic Street.

“New grant funds being delivered to our community for redevelopment in key areas is welcome news, as it furthers the emphasis of investing in New London,” said Sen. Marx. “Support for dozens of new housing units, the long-term support for The Day newspaper and community planning to make sure all residents have resources for outdoor recreation and beautiful green spaces are all strong points of emphasis for New London’s future.”

As part of the Community Investment Fund’s board’s approvals of projects on September 30, the 208 State Street redevelopment project will receive $350,000 to support conversion of the vacant 20,000-square-foot structure in the downtown district into a three-story mixed-use facility, aiming to revitalize a blighted part of New London with frequently empty storefronts. The project will create 40 new apartment units, including 20 workforce housing units, and 10,000 square feet of office space for New London’s The Day newspaper.

This project is currently underway and is expected to be complete in August 2026; once complete it is expected to have constructed the new housing units, created 60 construction jobs and retained jobs at the newspaper. Sen. Marx filed a letter of support for the project.

New London will additionally receive $250,000 for planning and design on Atlantic Street for a new public park, with the intention of transforming an underutilized corridor into a new community space. The park is designed to serve the downtown residential population and create green space for recreation and community events. The funds in particular will support a site and conditions assessment, environmental reviews and development of a preliminary park design.

Established in 2021, the CIF expects to administer more than $750 million in funds to Connecticut’s public investment communities and alliance districts through the end of 2026, with hundreds of millions of dollars already provided for capital improvement and small business support programs.

After the CIF board’s approval, the funds will receive final approval from the State Bond Commission in coming months.

Mayor Rilling and Senator Duff Announce Plans to Build a New West Rocks Middle School

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Mayor Rilling and Senator Duff Announce Plans to Build a New West Rocks Middle School

(Norwalk, Conn.) Today, Monday, September 29, 2025, Mayor Rilling and Senator Duff announced that West Rocks Middle School is proposed to be the next school to receive an upgraded facility with the construction of a new state-of-the-art building. In 2022, Senator Duff announced that new school construction projects in the City of Norwalk would receive a 60% reimbursement rate by the State over the next 25 years. The West Rocks Middle School is now part of the City of Norwalk’s 25-year plan for new and upgraded school facilities at this reimbursement rate, which is also supported by Rep. Lucy Dathan, Rep. Dominique Johnson, Rep. Kadeem Roberts and Rep. Travis Simms.

In 2021, the Norwalk Board of Education commissioned a district-wide feasibility study of all the City’s school buildings. The results demonstrated that West Rocks Middle School was most in need of repairs and improvements. The study found that the building was nearing the end of its anticipated service life and that there was a need for upgraded facilities and classrooms to better meet the evolving needs of today’s student population

Based on this information, the City and Norwalk Public Schools determined that West Rocks Middle School should be the next new school construction project following the completion of the new Norwalk High School, which is projected to open in the fall of 2027. The City anticipates a two-year construction period, with the facility ready to welcome students in the Fall of 2030.

“West Rocks Middle School is well overdue for an upgrade. In fact, I attended that exact same school decades ago. Our students need a modern, state-of-the-art school, where they can learn, grow and become best prepared for the future. Our kids are our most precious resource, and it’s imperative that we continue to invest in them and their future by creating learning environments that foster the highest level of engagement,” said Mayor Rilling. Thanks to our partnership with the State, we are receiving a 60% reimbursement rate on new school construction projects, including the new West Rocks School, which will save the City millions of dollars.”

“This project represents the very best of what we can achieve when the state and city work together for our kids,” said Senator Duff. “Norwalk’s 2021 district-wide facilities study identified West Rocks Middle School as one of the district’s most urgent priorities, and the need for a new building is clear. Representatives Dathan, Simms, Roberts, and Johnson, and I secured an unprecedented 60 percent state reimbursement, which is nearly triple the typical 22.5 percent rate. This funding will allow us to deliver a modern, secure, and inspiring school at a fraction of the cost to Norwalk taxpayers. The new West Rocks Middle School will replace aging infrastructure with state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and flexible learning areas that will serve students for years to come. It is a major win for our families and just one part of our citywide plan to make a once-in-a-generation investment in our school infrastructure.”

West Rocks Middle School was originally constructed in 1956, with a floor area of 100,508 square feet. The feasibility study recommends that the new school implement a new century educational program, further augmented by various spaces, including science labs, specialized instructional spaces dedicated to various special education programs, resource rooms to accommodate independent and small group learning environments, and an outdoor learning space. Based on the State’s space standard for schools, the new school building will be approximately 121,838 square feet.

The new school is expected to be constructed on the portion of the existing site currently occupied by the athletic fields, which, based on the field turf’s wear and tear, will be ready for replacement. Utilizing the site’s existing topographic relief, a multi-level facility can be constructed without impeding the operation of the existing school, avoiding disruptions to students’ current learning environment. The new school will be designed to serve a student population of approximately 720. Each grade will have five standard classrooms, and each classroom will have a 24-student capacity.

In addition to West Rocks, the City of Norwalk has made a number of recent upgrades to schools throughout the community. In 2020, the City welcomed students to a newly renovated Ponus Ridge School. In 2022, it welcomed students to a completely renovated Jefferson Elementary School. In 2023, it welcomed students to a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cranbury Elementary School, the City’s first entirely new school in over 50 years. Most recently, in August, the City welcomed students to the brand-new, state-of-the-art South Norwalk Elementary School, the City’s first school construction project under the new 60 percent reimbursement rate. In the Fall of 2027, the City plans to welcome students into the new Norwalk High School, which is receiving an 80 percent reimbursement rate from the State.

In addition to these new schools and upgraded facilities, in 2024, the City secured $21.5 million through a State grant to improve the heating and cooling systems at six more schools: Brien McMahon High School, Brookside Elementary School, Marvin Elementary School, Naramake Elementary School, Rowayton Elementary School, and Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School. These projects are now underway and will continue into 2026.

Senator Gaston Tours Bethlehem House, Recognized for His Support Securing Funding

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Senator Gaston Tours Bethlehem House, Recognized for His Support Securing Funding

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) was recognized as he took a tour through the Bethlehem House in Stratford. Senator Gaston played a pivotal role in securing critical funding for the Bethlehem House by advocating for its inclusion in the state budget, ensuring that the necessary resources were allocated to support its vital community services.

Senator Gaston helped to secure $230,000 to enhance the Bethlehem House’s family services, support vital infrastructure improvements, and ensure a safe, stable environment for families transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

“I’m truly honored to have had the opportunity to tour the Bethlehem House and see firsthand the incredible work being done to support families in need,” said Senator Gaston. “It’s inspiring to know that this funding will help strengthen their mission and provide a safe, stable environment for those transitioning from homelessness. I’m grateful to be part of this effort to make a real difference in our community.”

“We are so grateful to Senator Gaston for his support of Bethlehem House,” said Program Director of the Bethlehem House Dina Hill. This funding allows us to continue our mission of helping families transition from homelessness to stability, safety, and independence. The installation of new security cameras helps us provide peace of mind for parents and children.”

The funding will be used to strengthen family stability and safety at Bethlehem House. This includes the installation of new high-end security cameras, which ensure that families have a safe environment to call home.

The funds will also support their core housing programs, add upgrades to their units, and cover maintenance costs so families can continue to be helped to transition from homelessness to stability and independence.